
Dear Uniondale High School Parents and Students,
I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying a restful and rejuvenating summer break. As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, I would like to share some important updates and review a significant change that will impact our entire school community.
The most significant item we are addressing is the implementation of a new cell phone policy. We understand that this will be a challenging transition for everyone, as these devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. As we finalize the policy with the district, I am strongly encouraging students not to bring these devices to school. This simple step would alleviate a vast majority of the potential challenges. We will ensure students have access to school phones for any necessary emergency calls. Furthermore, students will be issued laptops for online assignments and other academic needs.
We are also exploring a system in which students will be required to store their phones away for the entire school day. This means that students will not be allowed to carry their personal phones in their pockets, pouches, or on their person for any reason.
As a school community, we must work together to make this transition a success. I ask that you begin preparing your student now. You can help by taking measures such as reducing screen time in the evenings, such as turning off social media apps after 9:00 p.m. If we collaborate and face this challenge together, our students will benefit tremendously from a more focused and productive learning environment.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to a successful and rewarding school year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn F. Brown
Principal
Uniondale High School


🌍 You're Invited: UHS2Ghana Virtual Information Meeting – August 4 at 7 PM
Dear Students and Families,
We are excited to invite you to a Virtual Information Meeting to learn more about the upcoming Uniondale 2025 Youth Ghana Culture Immersion Tour! This unique opportunity will enable students to explore Ghana’s vibrant culture and history and engage in service-learning experiences during an unforgettable journey abroad.
📅 Date: Sunday, August 4
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
💻 Zoom Meeting ID: 860 9495 5843
🔐 Passcode: UHS2GHANA
Total cost: Only $2500
During the session, we will provide essential details about the trip, including the itinerary, cost, fundraising opportunities, and how to reserve a spot.
We strongly encourage all interested students and their families to attend. This meeting will help you make an informed decision about participating in this life-changing experience.
If you have any questions before the meeting, please don't hesitate to reach out.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Dear Uniondale High School Parents, Students, and Teachers,
I am writing to you today to address a significant new mandate from New York State regarding cell phone use in schools, taking effect this fall for the 2025-2026 school year. Governor Hochul has announced a "statewide "bell-to-bell" restriction on smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices in K-12 schools. This bold step is aimed at creating distraction-free learning environments and promoting student well-being.
You can read Governor Hochul's official statement and learn more about this policy here: (https://www.ny.gov/programs/distraction-free-schools-implementation-resources).
At Uniondale High School, we are actively considering the best solution for implementing this new system within our district. We understand this change will require adjustment, and we are diligently exploring options to ensure a smooth and effective transition that supports both academic focus and student safety. Our goal is to structure a system that benefits all members of our school community.
While we finalize our specific plan, we strongly encourage all parents to begin preparing your children now by limiting their screen time and reducing their engagement with social media. This proactive approach will help students adapt to a less device-dependent school day.
Please be aware that this mandate extends beyond just cell phones. It includes all alternative digital devices, such as iPads, smartwatches, AirPods, wireless headphones, and any other internet-enabled personal devices. These items will not be permitted during the school day.
We believe firmly that this policy, while a change, is an essential step towards fostering deeper learning, enhancing social interactions, and supporting the mental health of our students. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create an optimal learning environment at Uniondale High School.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn F. Brown
Principal, Uniondale High School































